Social Policy Simulation Database and Model

The Social Policy Simulation Database and Model (SPSD/M), Version 14.1, based on 2002 microdata is now available. The most recent SPSD/M can be used to study the impacts of changes to federal and provincial tax and benefit programs on families and governments from 1991 through 2010.

The SPSD/M is a static microsimulation model. It is comprised of a database, a series of tax/transfer algorithms and models, analytical software and user documentation. The SPSD/M has been produced as an occasional product starting in 1985. It has been in wide use by policy analysts in Canada studying virtually every change to the tax and transfer system since that time.

The SPSD/M is a tool designed to analyze the financial interactions of governments and individuals/families in Canada. It allows estimation of the income redistributive effects or cost implications of changes in the personal taxation (including GST and other commodity taxes) and cash transfer system. The SPSD/M assists researchers examining the potential impacts of changes in taxes, earnings, demographic trends, and a wide range of other factors.

The SPSD/M allows us to answer "what-if" types of questions. What if there were changes to the taxes Canadians paid or transfers they received — who would gain and who would lose? Would single parent households in a particular province be better off? By how much? How much extra money would federal or provincial governments collect or pay out?

Definitions, data sources and methods: survey number 3889.

The Social Policy Simulation Database and Model, version 14.1 is available on CD-ROM (89F0002XCB, various prices).

For more information, to order a copy or to enquire about the concepts, methods or data quality of this release, contact Chantal Hicks (613-951-5311; spsdm@statcan.gc.ca), Socio-economic Analysis and Modeling Division.